Eilleena, Rachel Reilly, Paul Pace, David Eisin, (vcls), Geoff Eales (pno), Rik Rickinbok (spelling?) (bs), Simon Pearson (dms), Abram Wilson (tpt).
Eilleena was a name new to me - as was the owner - a bubbly, black, British born, American based, Citizen of the World.
From the opening bars of Perdido the room relaxed and we knew a treat was in store. Next up was Victor Young's Beautiful Love, a moving Nearness of You, an absolutely amazing But Not For Me, Devil May Care, a Ruby My Dear that simmered with emotion, What a Little Moonlight Can Do, Lush Life and Centerpiece.
Eilleena is a total jazz singer who improvises and re-shapes the melody without resorting to scat.
Check her out if you get the chance.
Earlier, Rachel Riley (Reilly?) took us through My Baby Just Cares For me a la Nina, Dinji, God Bless The Child and I Thought About You. She did them good.
Previously, Club Supremo and Compere Paul Pace had opened up the show with a swinging This Can't Be Love. Paul also kicked off the final set this time with You'd Be So Nice To Come Home To that featured a surprise guest - trumpet player Abram Wilson. Both of them swung.
A couple came up from the floor. David Eison dedicated That's All to Eilleena who scuttled down front and sat looking suitably dewy-eyed.
Another girl whose name I didn't catch sang an unaccompanied original (I think) before the lady who had captivated us all returned for a quick blast on Bye Bye Blackbird (with a little help from Abram) before the bell tolled.
Throughout the evening the Geoff Eales Trio provided solid backing. Geoff is an ebullient player, an extrovert, albeit with a leaning to the theatrical at times with his liberal use of quotes - I counted at least four Old Man Rivers! Nevertheless, when he's serious he can really play.
I was glad it was a good evening as I felt more than a little guilty about not supporting Sarah Ellen Hughes down at the Bull's Head - a place full of memories for me.
Likewise, I had to turn down an invitation from Aya at Space Is The Place. It had been a hectic three days and, by this time, the Liddle limbs had become laboured and lethargic.
Deffo next time.
Lance.
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